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It's a smart move with the Clemons injury. The Seahawks cannot afford to have unproven depth for that position and I find it hard to believe that Clemons will be able to go 100% from game 1. They need to come out of the FA period with a reasonable piece of this puzzle solved. We will see if the full-court wine and dine gets it done or will he be like Hutch and just decide to pass on a chance to join up.

Osi, Freeney or Abraham need to be signed to lower the risks to next season.

Osi, Freeney, Abraham, or Seymore would all be lucky if we signed them. This is a perfect opportunity to make a few more millions and one of the best chancs at a super bowl they will get. They would all get plenty of playing time but would also be a part of a solid rotation in a stadium and fan base built for pass rushers. Golden op for these guys and I think some more Veteran leaderhsip on out D will help tremendously especially since it's likely Tru and Hill are on the way out.

Lets get this done with Abraham becaus even at 34 he has been productive.

Picking up Abraham if its only for a year makes a lot of sense for this team with the uncertainty of when Clemons will be at full speed again. Would love to see it especially when it allows them the flexibility to get a receiver in the first round.

I may have my facts slightly off, but I think we went after him hard when he was a free agent, but he chose Atlanta because he was an East coast guy, and pretty much came out and said so. I'm sure at this point in his career he is looking to make whatever money he can and get a decent shot at a ring, so it seems like a good fit.

I don't think thats what anybody is saying here. I would like to see us sign Abraham (if its reasonable and short term)and resign Branch and would be happy right there. I don't think that would break the bank for the Seahawks. I am not interested in the least in Osi or Freeney to be honest.

Natethegreat wrote:I don't think thats what anybody is saying here. I would like to see us sign Abraham (if its reasonable and short term)and resign Branch and would be happy right there. I don't think that would break the bank for the Seahawks. I am not interested in the least in Osi or Freeney to be honest.

Personally, I would prefer letting Branch walk, re-signing Jones, and signing Freeney, as Freeney seems to fit the LEO position most perfectly, but I agree that some combination of re-signs and short-term vet signings would be a prudent idea.

"If given the opportunity without fear of incarceration, I would honestly beat the living **** out of Jerry Rice."

Largent80 wrote:What a difference a year makes. Last year I was harping to get him, and all here were "he is too old". Now 10 sacks and a year later he isn't.

I think that last loss at ATL where the DL could not generate any kind of pass rush is still fresh in our minds. The last thing that happened always seems to be the most important, I suppose.

Combine that with Chris Clemons almost certainly starting the season on PUP, and circumstances have changed enough that people identify the D-Line as a big enough need to go with an older vet on a one year contract.

It hurts to think about how with a guy like Raheem Brock coming off the bench, SEA probably wins that game in ATL.

"If given the opportunity without fear of incarceration, I would honestly beat the living **** out of Jerry Rice."

McGruff wrote:Abraham will probably come cheaper and shorter than Osi or Freeney.

I've thrown this out there before ... but something to keep in mind in terms of Osi Umenyiora -- he makes his offseason home in Atlanta. That's home for him. So, if the Falcons want him, it's highly likely that's where he ends up. It's an important factor to consider when trying to figure out where all these DE Free Agent dominoes will fall.

Exactly my point. He's still very solid, and can be had for a heck of a lot less than some other guys like Dumervil. I get the impression that some people think he's past his prime or just some old dude band-aid type of guy. Not the case at all when you put up 10 sacks and 6 Forced Fumbles. Shoot, we could get Him AND Osi or him and Woodson for likely less than it would cost to get a guy like Dumervil.

As to the "he was just let go by a contender", he was getting paid at least 4.5 million this next year (or that was his cap hit or bonus. hell, I read 4.5 mil somewhere) but Atlanta is barely under the cap. They want to resign Brent Grimes and their safety that is pretty decent (don't remember his name) so they need cap space to work with.

Pretty sure it was money and not as much production, although he was fighting an ankle issue late in the year. Still, 10 sacks and 6 FF's while having 2-3 down games with an injury isn't anything to sneeze at.

A guy on softies show today said he liked Abraham because he was better against the run than Freeney or Osi. If we can get a LEO that is adequate against the run and can provide the potential for 10+ sacks I am all for bringing him in for a year or two on an incentive laden contract. Can we let Branch and Jones walk and pick up Seymour and Abraham?

John Abraham (6'4" 256 Pounds) ... had 10.0 Sacks last season at Age 34. Outside of that ankle injury last season, he's been relatively healthy throughout his career. He's never struggled with injuries, keeps himself in great shape, and hasn't really shown any signs of slowing down. If we're talking about a 1 year deal for $4-5 Million ... and the medical report looks good ... why the heck not?

Atlanta had him in a heavier rotation then the Hawks used with Clemons, so it would be wise for the Hawks to keep him in a rotation. He isn't the answer to missing the 3 down player in Clemons. Still have to draft some DE depth. He also had a 3 tech DT rotation that got satisfactory penetration at Atlanta. So, resigning Branch will probably not work in his favor. Signing Bryant along with Abraham, as well as drafting a worthy first round DT and hunting DEs in the later rounds would be quite an upgrade for the Hawks.

Lady Talon wrote:Atlanta had him in a heavier rotation then the Hawks used with Clemons, so it would be wise for the Hawks to keep him in a rotation. He isn't the answer to missing the 3 down player in Clemons. Still have to draft some DE depth. He also had a 3 tech DT rotation that got satisfactory penetration at Atlanta. So, resigning Branch will probably not work in his favor. Signing Bryant along with Abraham, as well as drafting a worthy first round DT and hunting DEs in the later rounds would be quite an upgrade for the Hawks.

I agree with that for the most part. Though I believe that Abraham/Umenyiora/Freeney could be part of the answer ... I don't know that I would say that any one of those guys is the full answer. So, absolutely I agree that a rotation would be best. Carroll and the coaching staff believe in that, so I certainly think that's exactly what we would see.

As far as the whole Branch debate is concerned, I 100% agree that signing Bryant changes the entire complexion of that Defensive Line. In fact, I'd rank getting a dominant 3 Tech as a greater priority than a DE actually.

If they are able to land Bryant, I'm not sure I would be looking to expend a 1st Rounder on another DT ... but I guess I'd be in favor with it if a DT is the BPA at #25. Drafting more DE's later on in the draft? Yes please. I've posted this before that I believe getting experience at the DT is a necessity. If you'll recall, Cortez Kennedy actually didn't do a whole ton in his rookie season. Neither do a lot of rookie DT's. Along with WR, that seems to be a position that requires some seasoning. Honestly, I think Pete believes the same thing. So, as I scan the entire FA Landscape ... I personally view Desmond Bryant as THE primary target in Free Agency. Just my .02.

Not neccessarily, if the Hawks are after Datone Jones as a first round DT, he can play multiple Dline positions. Challenge Red Bryant, be part of a rotation for both ends as well as specialized tackle work. I'm not giving up on Scruggs.

Sign Abraham to a 1 year deal and let Irvin bulk up some more and learn from proven sack master, then sign a vet DT Seymore for 1 year and by the next season Scruggs and Howard will be ready to start. dRaft a few mid to late DE's and DT and let them compete for roster spots or stash on the practice squad until the old guys are gone then let them step up. Would a 1st round DT be more productive than Seymore or Bryant? I'd say not likely, would a 1st round LB be more productive than Malcome Smith, I'd bet $100 on it.

Wenhawk wrote:Sign Abraham to a 1 year deal and let Irvin bulk up some more and learn from proven sack master, then sign a vet DT Seymore for 1 year and by the next season Scruggs and Howard will be ready to start. dRaft a few mid to late DE's and DT and let them compete for roster spots or stash on the practice squad until the old guys are gone then let them step up. Would a 1st round DT be more productive than Seymore or Bryant? I'd say not likely, would a 1st round LB be more productive than Malcome Smith, I'd bet $100 on it.

Something along these lines is exactly what I was going to write but then I read it

Point being with a veteran like this you sign them to a 1 or 2 year deal and then you can draft in the middle of the pack hoping to find the gem and you also have Clemons coming back.

Do you MAYBE hope to get a star by the time playoff comes around - of course. BUT at least you start the season with a very good player and hope to improve vs starting with a rookie hoping to find out he isn't a bust.......

Not neccessarily, if the Hawks are after Datone Jones as a first round DT, he can play multiple Dline positions. Challenge Red Bryant, be part of a rotation for both ends as well as specialized tackle work. I'm not giving up on Scruggs.

I'm more talking to those that are saying to bring in 3 or 4 D-lineman. I think 2 is the magic number. 1 DT for 3-tech and 1 DE for depth and filling in while Clems out. If you can get a guy or two like Datone Jones that can play multiple positions all the better. I like Greg Scruggs to get more playing time this coming year, he looked pretty good at times last year.